The second question of the press conference after England's four-wicket victory concerned not the cricket but the allegation, repeated in television interviews later by two workers at the restaurant, that the player had been asked to leave in the company of two others because of a smell of pot emanating from a lavatory.

John Barclay, the England manager, was forearmed and replied: ``I'm well aware of the allegations made against Phil Tufnell. I've spoken to Phil at length and very frankly. I'm completely satisfied with his assurances to me that they are without foundation.''

Tufnell answered subsequent television inquiries with convincing good humour. ``I think it's extra- ordinary, I really do. It makes me laugh. It's ridiculous, mate,'' he said.

There was no specific denial that Tufnell had been at the restaurant in question, though it is possible it was a case of mistaken identity. Two English holidaymakers who saw him later in the evening at a bar close to the team's hotel claimed he looked inebriated, but appearances can be deceptive.

In view of Tufnell's record of misdemeanours on tour and of the sensitivity of all connected with New Zealand cricket following Chris Cairns's widely publicised evening in a nightclub during the previous Test, Barclay had no alternative but to investigate. If he felt that Middlesex's maverick left-arm spinner had let down himself or the team, on the eve of what might have been a decisive innings at No 11, he would no doubt have punished him, but there was no suggestion that this was the case and he was not inclined to add to his statement.

Tufnell has worked hard to improve his batting, fielding and fitness throughout the winter and he has bowled successfully in tandem with Robert Croft in Zimbabwe and New Zealand.